Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time

The eyes of the Divine Sword Squad Leader scrutinized Jung Yeonshin.

His tone was calm, but his gaze was like lightning. It was enough to send a slight chill down the spine.

The boy immediately sensed it. He knew the Divine Sword Squad Leader's words had not merely grazed the surface.

It was clear he had thoroughly discerned his constitution and mentioned it in passing.

"..."

A sharp edge has a short life. The Divine Sword Squad Leader had realized it.

'This could've been expected.'

Jung Yeonshin did not believe the Divine Sword Squad Leader's internal energy technique was inferior to Zhongnan's Sword Immortal.

Just as that old immortal had instantly recognized Jung Yeonshin's frail constitution, it wasn't surprising that the Divine Sword Squad Leader had also noticed his short lifespan.

He had even touched the crown of his head where the Baihui Acupoint lay.

Jung Yeonshin glanced at his grandfather without thinking.

He had heard about it before encountering the Martial Dragon Alliance. It was said that his martial strength had declined in old age.

It was due to the cultivation of the Desolate Ma family's divine techniques, which had distinct peaks during prime years.

Because of past sins, Ma Yeonjeok dared not lay a hand on his grandson.

Even the Desolate Lord had remained silent, so there was no way to discover his inherently short lifespan.

"The young one from the Dragon Family wasn't entirely wrong. You should take care of yourself."

[TL Note: Dragon Family youngster refers to the Group Leader.]

His grandfather, who locked eyes with the boy, spoke.

'So, the Leader's family name is Yong.'

Jung Yeonshin once again realized how little was known about the Divine Sword Squad Leader's name, despite his fearsome reputation. It was peculiar.

While the boy harbored questions, Ma Yeonjeok grinned contentedly, as if agreeing with the Squad Leader's words.

His white mustache lifted on both sides.

"Yeonshin, you are truly the treasure of our family. Newly emerging prodigies who bring glory to their names are the future of all sects."

"Elder, you're not suggesting you're suffering from old age…?"

The Divine Sword Squad Leader furrowed his brow. His words took an entirely different direction.

Jung Yeonshin watched the scene unfold like a theatrical play. The conversation between the Divine Sword Squad Leader and his grandfather seemed misaligned.

Ma Yeonjeok, the elder master wearing the purple robe of Desolate Fortress, spoke again with sharp eyes.

"Even if a warrior cannot avoid life-and-death battles, survival must take precedence. It's not just because Yeonshin is my grandson. How valuable is Radiant Demon Squad's Lightning Genius? Regardless of the mission, one's nature must fully support standing in victory…"

"So it's another kind of old age after all. How regrettable. At one point, surpassing you was my goal."

"Stop with the nonsense, you cheeky brat."

Scolded by Ma Yeonjeok, the Divine Sword Squad Leader turned his head. His piercing gaze, shining with colorless light, seemed to ask, 'What is going on here?'.

The boy silently accepted the gaze and barely lowered his head.

Did it look like a complete nod? The Divine Sword Squad Leader clicked his tongue like an old man and shook his head.

"My, my. Just how much karma has our old man accumulated…?"

The Desolate Ma family head, Ma Yeonjeok, didn't know. Was it due to his declining skills, as he himself mentioned?

It was uncertain how he would react if he discovered Jung Yeonshin's constitution.

Would his devoted attitude suddenly change? Or would he actively try to save his grandson?

'There's no need.'

Jung Yeonshin thought.

There was no reason to get caught up in troublesome matters. Advancement through martial ranks could not be achieved by relying on others' merits. Moreover, progressing to higher realms was entirely his responsibility.

"You, you're Ma's grandson? I never heard of a kid like you in the Desolate family."

Ak Surim frowned and leaned closer.

Jung Yeonshin simply nodded without a word, but she shook her head.

"I kind of liked you, but you've got that nasty Ma blood. What a shame. There are a lot of despicable people in that family."

She seemed completely indifferent to Ma Yeonjeok's intimidating expression.

With a cheerful demeanor, she naturally ignored the former Divine Sword Squad Leader.

It seemed her fearlessness stemmed from combining unrestrained nature with the unparalleled martial strength of Desolate Fortress' black faction.

As Jung Yeonshin unconsciously recalled Zhu Yeon-jeong, a secondary royal family member, Ak Surim continued speaking.

"Well, both the Leader and the old man are right. It's also true that our old Ma is a fool heading for senility."

"..."

"A consecutive winning streak, huh? Lightning Genius, you overdid it too. How many young prodigies can really defeat the Azure Qilin without a scratch? Even with strength, luck must be on your side. Martial artists often have exceptionally lucky days when everything works out, and it seems today was one of them."

She also displayed many facets, like the Divine Sword Squad Leader. Her expression was currently full of childlike innocence.

At this moment, she looked even younger than Yeon Soha, who had interrupted earlier.

"I wasn't really worried about the Leader. I once saw the leader of the Zhuge Clan, and he didn't seem as impressive as I'd heard. It was more surprising that Namgoong's leader managed to push our Leader this far. I thought the leaders of the Eight Great Clans were generally half a step below the Nine Great Sect's Leaders."

"It was indeed Namgoong. Even among the Eight Great Clans, they're exceptional. The highest-level martial arts among the top masters aren't much inferior to the Thirteen Heavens or the Nine Great Sects."

Another elite of the Divine Sword Squad spoke, and Yeon Soha nodded.

"Unless it's Shaolin or Wudang… honestly, I was more worried when Lightning Genius fought the Azure Qilin. Fights in the martial world are so unpredictable. Who would've foreseen this outcome? So many variables."

"His reputation will spread widely. After some time, it might cross two or three cities with ease."

Ak Surim smiled brightly as she tapped Jung Yeonshin's shoulder. She now seemed to treat him like an amusing toy she had grown fond of.

For a supreme martial artist who appeared eternally youthful, it might be considered an honor. Jung Yeonshin stood quietly.

Yeon Soha chuckled and nodded.

"Reputation, huh? Well, there were plenty of spectators for the duel."

"Exactly."

While the Divine Sword Squad elites lightly chatted around Jung Yeonshin,

"Lightning Genius, come here. Let's talk privately."

The Divine Sword Squad Leader wiped the blood from his lips with the back of his hand, looking like he had spat out quite a lot.

With a pale complexion, he gestured to Jung Yeonshin. The Divine Sword Squad warriors stepped back, and Ma Yeonjeok intervened.

His expression looked displeased.

"Yong brat, you're not making a rash proposal, are you?"

"Worried over nothing, like an old man."

The Divine Sword Squad Leader briefly smiled.

"I can tell that Ma Jin treasures this boy, and I wouldn't want to provoke that eunuch's curses…"

"What did you just say?"

"I assume you're considering recruiting him into the Divine Sword Squad, but we don't particularly need him right now. It's a needless concern. Perhaps the Squad was weak during your era? Wasn't it like that before I joined?"

"What?"

"You're upset. So, Lightning Genius, what do you think? Let's hear from you."

The Divine Sword Squad Leader gestured playfully.

"Just the two of us."

The short remark felt heavy. Jung Yeonshin slowly nodded.

* * *

The chamber had faintly glowing gemstones embedded in its ceiling.

Because rare night pearls hung like lanterns, the room was as bright as if moonlight had been drawn down.

Two visitors entered. A man clad in a purple silhouette led the way.

Step.

With each dignified step, the nearby pearls dimmed.

He treated the natural essence of these treasures as mere candlelight. Under the faint light, his hair shone white.

Each step brought more darkness, like the breath of a great demon.

Even the calligraphy on the corridor wall, reading "Jianmen Shu Path, Tang Clan Heavenly Way", silently sank into the shadows.

"Every visit, something new gets added. I should order them all removed."

The man spoke softly.

"They're unbearably gaudy. The Tang Clan must like bright things. Perhaps it's because they're so dark themselves."

"..."

"Why so quiet, Seventh Apostle? You're still like this, even after being saved by this Leader."

"It's because I have a lot on my mind."

At the woman's short reply, the man burst into laughter.

"Was the brush with death that shocking?"

"..."

"Come to think of it, you were born noble as well. You were raised exceptionally delicately in our sect."

"Delicately?"

"When else would you have encountered a supreme master like those wearing Desolate Fortress's purple robes? The masters of the Thirteen Heavens and the Nine Sects' leaders are the same. They are among the world's rarest strongmen. Even I acknowledge them, so don't be discouraged."

The man's languid yet captivating voice continued.

By then, all the luminous pearls they had passed had gone out.

Darkness, as deep as an abyss, swirled around the man like a silk robe. It was a sight beyond the mundane world.

"Had my body been intact, I would have taken the exhausted Divine Sword Squad Leader's head. What a wasted opportunity. It's good that the Tyrant Sword Tribe Leader acts as I desire, but the problem is that it always ends after one move. Truly disappointing."

"..."

"I hope the Namgoong family head has at least taken one of the Divine Sword Squad Leader's arms. By now, the result should be decided."

"If so, tell me the outcome. I need to know."

At last, the Seventh Apostle broke her silence.

Was he pleased by her reaction? The Blood Flame Cult Leader's next words carried a hint of laughter.

"I know you care for the Grand Master. I'll let you know. After all, he is a boy we must bring here someday."

With that, only the sound of footsteps echoed.

The footsteps of those who ruled over the world's fear of blood demons were distinct.

The Blood Flame Cult Leader's steps carried an alluring and profound rhythm, while Seventh Apostle's movements were simply light.

The only similarity was how they traversed the darkness as if it were their home.

When they reached the depths of the hall,

"I told you repeatedly not to disturb my cultivation. I asked you to leave me alone."

An aged voice, tinged with faint anger, rang out.

It was a large stone chamber. A room built from stone inside the hall.

An elderly man holding a small dagger glared at the Blood Flame Cult Leader and Seventh Apostle.

Despite his gaunt frame, he wore silk robes that seemed to drip with gold.

The single remaining luminous pearl cast its light onto his sharp eyes and dagger, reflecting like flowing frost.

In the center of the room was a high stone bed.

Likewise, it was made of stone.

Bound upon it was a Blood Master Swordsman with crimson hair, glaring with wide-open eyes. The tip of the old man's dagger hovered just above the chest.

"Disturb your cultivation? That can't be right. Wasn't it I who promised you full support?"

At the same time, the Blood Flame Cult Leader dropped the man he had been carrying onto the floor with a thud.

He spoke.

"This is an Elder of Desolate Fortress."

"What did you just say? You lunatic…!"

The emotion that swept over the old man's face was madness.

Disbelief flashed first, but within two breaths, his expression turned to ecstasy.

The Blood Flame Cult Leader spoke again.

"He is a supreme master in purple robes. While not on par with the Divine Sword Squad Leader, isn't he the perfect model for your cultivation? I nearly died again. My body was already injured from my encounter with the Desolate Fortress' Lord. If the Tyrant Sword Tribe hadn't shown up in time, that would have been the end. The sword technique he revealed after reemerging from defeat at Zhongnan Sect was terrifying."

"This one will greatly accelerate the ritual."

The old man paid no mind to anyone else. He hurriedly crouched beside the Elder of Desolate Fortress and muttered to himself.

"I had been longing to study a body that reached the peak through orthodox methods. It's not as if I could dissect your body, Cult Leader, and that had caused me great concern. Your clan's bodies are marvelous. The advancements brought to medical techniques by their regenerative abilities cannot be fully described with words."

"Your audacity pleases me. You understand my grace."

"The first recipients of the ritual will be my grandchildren."

"How many can benefit?"

"As I mentioned earlier, five is the limit. Even after gathering all the ingredients we could, that's the best we can do. Three for your clan, two for ours. That was the agreement, wasn't it?"

The old man asked.

"Yes, that's right."

The Blood Flame Cult Leader's clear gaze swept over the chamber, finally resting on a large painting affixed to the wall.

It was an anatomical diagram.

It depicted the body's muscle structure, acupoints, the twelve meridians, and the eight extraordinary vessels.

Among them, the Baihui Acupoint at the crown of the head was remarkably emphasized.

Noticing his gaze, the old man's lips twisted into a grotesque grin.

"Desolate Fortress' Lightning Genius."

The old man spoke with a mad smile.

"That body… it is not human. It's truly extraordinary. Even compared to your Blood Flame Cult or the so-called Noble Clan remnants, it stands apart. The ritual has me trembling with excitement. Its success hinges on how closely we can replicate that diagram."

"It's not human? What do you think?"

A heated, melodic voice flowed out.

It was the first time the Seventh Apostle had spoken since entering the chamber.

The old man continued, as if he had been waiting for the question.

"Its meridian system is as mysterious as supernatural beings, and it has even mastered divine techniques that rival the world's greatest martial arts…"

His breathing grew ragged.

His exhalations carried fervent longing and excitement.

"It is closer to a divine creature pretending to be human."